oregano

noun

oreg·​a·​no ə-ˈre-gə-ˌnō How to pronounce oregano (audio)
1
: a bushy perennial mint (Origanum vulgare) with leaves that are used as a seasoning and a source of aromatic oil

called also origanum, wild marjoram

2
: any of several plants (genera Lippia and Coleus) other than oregano of the vervain or mint families

Examples of oregano in a Sentence

The recipe calls for a tablespoon of chopped oregano.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Fresh parsley adds great flavor and color and dried oregano adds delicate floral notes. Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 11 Sep. 2025 The handheld food item is made with the brand’s Thin N’ Crispy crust, folded around toppings and cheese, then baked and sprinkled with Parmesan and oregano. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025 The melts are then loaded with toppings and cheese, folded, baked and then sprinkled with a blend of Parmesan cheese and oregano. Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025 The Crafted Flatzz are available in five different artisanal recipes, according to Pizza Hut, including a Three Cheese Flatzz that is layered with sweet marinara sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, Romano and a hint of oregano. Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oregano

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish orégano, from Spanish, wild marjoram, from Latin origanum — more at origanum

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oregano was in 1771

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Cite this Entry

“Oregano.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oregano. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

oregano

noun
oreg·​a·​no ə-ˈreg-ə-ˌnō How to pronounce oregano (audio)
plural oreganos
: a bushy mint with leaves used as a seasoning and a source of a fragrant oil

More from Merriam-Webster on oregano

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